The Bay of Plenty is a beautiful and unique region of New Zealand, and it’s no wonder that many couples decide to tie the knot here 😍 When planning a wedding in the Bay of Plenty, it’s important to find the right celebrant to make the occasion truly special! Fortunately, there are many experienced and talented wedding celebrants in the Bay of Plenty who can help make your wedding day perfect.

From the stunning beaches to the lush green hills, the Bay of Plenty truly has it all (not biased at all 😉). Whether you’re looking for a traditional ceremony at a marae, in a church or a more relaxed beach wedding, the Bay of Plenty wedding celebrants can help officiate your perfect day. With their knowledge and experience, they can help you create a unique and memorable ceremony that reflects your personalities and values! From helping you choose the perfect vows to guiding you through the legal paperwork, a wedding celebrant is dedicated to making sure your big day is truly special!

At the end of the day, the Bay of Plenty is the perfect place to celebrate your love… for sure! With its stunning scenery and talented wedding celebrants, you can rest assured that your wedding day will be filled with joy and happiness 🤗

Understanding the Role of a Wedding Celebrant

To ensure your special day is celebrated with the utmost care and attention to detail, it’s important to find the right wedding celebrant. Bay of Plenty wedding celebrants are experienced professionals who can help you create a meaningful and memorable ceremony!

When you’re looking for a wedding celebrant, it’s important to find someone who understands the area and its culture. A local wedding celebrant are knowledgeable about the regions customs and traditions, and can help you create a unique and personalised ceremony that reflects the beauty of the area. They will also work with you to ensure that your ceremony is tailored to your individual needs and wishes.

Jo Malcolm

Jo Malcolm is one of the best wedding celebrants in the Bay of Plenty. She is passionate about making your special day as unique and special as possible. Jo’s attention to detail and her ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your wedding ceremony will ensure that your special day is one to remember! She is an experienced celebrant who has officiated many weddings in the Bay of Plenty and is well-versed in the laws and regulations regarding weddings in the area.

Jo’s experience and knowledge make her an ideal choice for couples looking for a wedding celebrant in the Bay of Plenty. Jo is also an excellent listener, taking the time to get to know each couple and understanding their individual needs and wants for their wedding day. With Jo as your wedding celebrant, you can be sure that your special day will be one to remember for years to come!

She also offers her services as your MC! Covering two crucial aspects, she becomes an amazing choice for your special day, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience 😍

Kia Ora, my name is Jo Malcolm and I’m a Celebrant based in and around Edgecumbe in the Bay of
Plenty.
I have been a celebrant since 2017 and have had the joy of performing and celebrating over 65
weddings, I love it!
I love to talk and meet new people so when my cousin Vicki couldn’t find a celebrant to suit their forest & festival wedding vibe I jumped at the chance to try a new career path after 17 years as an Early Childhood Teacher.
I love the quirky, follow your heart weddings; the traditional, romantic weddings; the backyard, DIY
weddings; the intimate, emotion filled weddings; the loud, party of a lifetime weddings….you name it, I love it!
Being able to get to know a couple and write a ceremony that captures their love story is the best! I’ve always been an avid reader so this is my version of being an author…I hear the beginnings, the middles and plans for the ever afters and get to put that all into your ceremony.
I also love to MC the after party, and in this role I get to learn so much more about the couple and keep their wedding day vibe running right into the night.
My focus is you and your vision for this amazing next step in your love journey and I am always so
privileged to be a part of such a fantastic celebration of love and happiness.”

– Jo

Feedback from one of Jo’s couples:

“Jo Malcolm is an incredible celebrant. My husband and I cannot recommend her enough. Our day was perfect and Jo was definitely a huge part in making that happen. Jo is personable, friendly, professional, engaging and also lots of fun. Jo was our Celebrant and MC and we absolutely loved her sense of humour and how she captured us as a couple as she got to know us before our big day. Thanks again Jo, you truly are AMAZING.”

jomalcolm.celebrant@gmail.com

With Love, Geo

With Love, Geo – is one of the most sought-after wedding celebrants in the Bay of Plenty! Georgia is a very passionate celebrant who loves to create meaningful ceremonies for her couples in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. With over 4 years of experience as a wedding celebrant, Georgia knows how to make your special day one to remember!

Georgia has a knack for creating ceremonies that are tailored to each couple’s individual personalities and styles. She is also passionate about helping couples create ceremonies that are reflective of the beauty in their special bond. Whether you are looking for a traditional wedding ceremony or something more modern and contemporary, Georgia will help you craft the perfect ceremony for your Bay of Plenty wedding. With a beautifully kind soul and a warm smile to match, trust me when I say – you’d be kept in great hands with Geo 😍

“Kia ora, ko Georgia toku ingoa. 

I have always been a lover of love.

When I married my high school sweetheart, I was inspired to stay within the wedding industry. Our special day led me to such a meaningful career and brings me so much joy and fulfilment. Being able to officiate marriages and play a significant role in these couples’ lives is an absolute honour and privilege. 

Creating bespoke ceremonies for modern day lovers allows me to tailor each ceremony to the couple’s unique personalities and love story, making their special day even more meaningful and memorable. 

Each wedding I have been a part of so far, has been unique, and holds its own special charm, regardless of the size or style. I cherish these special moments just as much as the couples I get to work with. 

As a Mama of 3 courageous boys, I must also admit, I REALLY do enjoy getting dressed up and out of the house, to celebrate LOVE. 

I am looking forward to another wonderful wedding season filled with lots of love, happiness, joy, giggles and of course, champagne. 

With love, Geo.”

– Georgia

Feedback from one of Georgia’s couples:

“Georgia from With love Geo, made our special day that much more special. 

Leading up to the day she spent lots of time getting to know us, learning about our relationship, our goals, happy memories, challenging/sad memories and how we wanted this all reflected in our ceremony. 

On the day, she arrived nice and early making sure everything was in place and helped keep my husband calm. 

The ceremony ran so smoothly, Georgia speaks with such a calming manner. 

We shared lots of laughter, a few tears and our amazing vows that Georgia had helped us to write. 

The ceremony was absolutely perfect.”

geohakiaha@outlook.com

House of Vows, Manea

Meet Mānea from House of Vows—one of your new go-to wedding celebrant’s in the Bay of Plenty! With a genuine commitment to making your special day truly unforgettable, Mānea puts her heart and soul into creating a ceremony that resonates with you as a couple. Whether you envision a traditional, non-traditional, or religious ceremony, Mānea at House of Vows will make sure that your wedding becomes an extraordinary and cherished memory.

Let’s make your big day truly special! By working closely together, Mānea ensures that your wedding ceremony reflects your unique values and beliefs. Expect nothing less than a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone involved! As a dedicated Bay of Plenty wedding celebrant, Mānea understands the power of personalisation and is here to help you craft the perfect ceremony 🥰

“Ko Pūtauaki tōku Maunga

Ko Rangitāiki tōku Awa

Ko Mātaatua tōku Waka

Ko Ngāti Awa tōku Iwi

Ko Te Pahipoto tōku Hapu

Ko Kōkōhīnau tōku Marae

Ko Manea Smith-Lawson tōku ingoa

A creative at heart and resident celebrant behind House of Vows, you are so welcome here!

Between raising my two greatest wonders, my marvel and my muse, alongside my darling; I work part-time in local government, am currently working on a new ventures as an interior designer and collectively evolving the Aōtearoa / New Zealand wedding industry; connecting couples to wedding professionals in 2024 with New Zealand Wedding Society. 

I’m thriving in life when I am in my element of creativity and uncovering depths of myself through learning, connecting and growing with my whānau, culture, language, the arts, nature and self-development. In between all that – you can find me reprising my role as @houseofvows.celebrant – whenever LOVE calls! Thus, making me a professional third wheel; listener, hype-girl and peacemaker included! 

I desire marrying more adventurous couples, who plan on hiking into nature, seeking out THAT abundant (asf) waterfall and cruising out into the sunset on a yacht! Can you tell that intentional, intimate elopement style marriages are my FAV?

Quality time is a love language of mine, so when I connect with my couples – you bet I am invested in learning all about you as a couple, and equally just as important – you both as individuals. Through our time together, we explore goals, desires and dreams, within and beyond marriage. Envision and co-create your dream ceremony and vows through our signature vow resource. Intentionally grounding your values and beliefs, building upon existing foundations of authenticity, integrity and trust, for a wholesome life together in health, wealth and marriage. 

I believe love, grows love #marriageequalityand that being a celebrant is an honour, privilege and blessing, that I take to heart. What it important to you in your ceremony, wedding and marriage, is important to me! I am so grateful to be holding space for my couples, leading up to, on and beyond my role of officiating their marriage. 

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

I can’t wait to meet you all soon my future couples, it is written in the stars already! 

Intentionally, honouring you both.

Manea X”

– Mānea

Feedback from one of Mānea’s couples:

“Thank you so much for making our day as special and intimate as it was. You went above and beyond in building a rapport with us and made us feel at ease and most comfortable. The genuine happiness you portrayed, guidance you gave and lengths you went to understand our vision made everything so effortless. You answered questions before we had them and understood and valued what was important to us. You we’re an absolute blessing for us and our whanau, and we will be forever grateful for you.”

houseofvows.celebrant@gmail.com

Iripa Rangi

Introducing the remarkable husband and wife team – Iripa and Jess. Based in the stunning Bay of Plenty, this dynamic duo is here to make your wedding ceremony truly unforgettable. With their officiating expertise, they will breathe life into your beautiful love story.

But that’s not all. Iripa has an incredible point of difference – he can offer his services in Te Reo Māori, honouring the culture and heritage of the land we stand on. This ensures that the tangata whenua (indigenous people) are respected and celebrated as part of your special day!

Choose Iripa and Jess, and let them add that extra touch of magic and cultural significance to your wedding ceremony, creating memories that will truly last a lifetime 😍

“E noho ana anō i tōku taumata Maungapohatu.

Whakaheke ki te au o Tauranga e rere nei.

Kia tū tangata whenua ahau ki tōku marae ko Matahi.

Kia nōhia taku whare tīpuna Te Huinga o te Kura. Tū tonu, tū tonu.

Ko Ngai Tama e tau nei.

Ko Tuhoe he pou whenua, he pou tangata.

I eke mai i Mataatua waka.

Hei whakaoho i taku moe. E kō kōia e ara e!

Kia ora e te whanau, 

I am Iripa, a proud Māori Celebrant based in Tauranga Moana. In this amazing celebrant world, I am fortunate to say that I get to share so many incredibly special moments with couples as they say the famous words, “I DO”. To make it more amazing is the ability to weave and incorporate Māori language and culture into a ceremony for couples. Working side by side in this with my wife Jess (who is really brains of the operation) we specialise in creating bespoke wedding ceremonies that allow you to express your love in whatever way you see best fit. To us, your ceremony should be a reflection of you two to the core. 

This is our passion project and our way of giving back to Te Āo and Te Reo Māori as a thank you for making me who I am today, as a way of encouraging others who may be on their own reo journey, and as a way to uplift and elevate the beautiful language and culture that we have. 

Mauri ora!!”

– Iripa

Feedback from one of Iripa’s couples:

“We couldn’t have been happier with the wonderful job that Iripa and Jess did in helping to plan our wedding ceremony. From our first meeting, they both took the time to get to know us as a couple, and worked with us to create a ceremony that truly reflected our personalities, and who we are. Their warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail made the entire process stress-free and enjoyable. On the day of the wedding, Iripa delivered a beautiful ceremony that left us and our whānau feeling like we had been a part of something special. We received so many compliments on the ceremony, and we know that Iripa played a key role in making our wedding day unforgettable. We would highly recommend Iripa to any couples looking for a caring and skilled celebrant.

E te parata, tēnei te mihi maioha ki a koe mō tō manaaki i a māua ko toku whaiāipo, i taua rā nui whakaharahara.”

iripa.jess@gmail.com

Essential Qualities for a Bay of Plenty Wedding Celebrant

When looking for the perfect wedding celebrant for your Bay of Plenty wedding, there are certain qualities that you should look for. The best Bay of Plenty wedding celebrants have a deep understanding of the Bay of Plenty and its culture, as well as a passion for making your special day memorable!

At the top of the list of essential qualities for an awesome wedding celebrant is a commitment to providing a professional and personalised service. A great celebrant will take the time to get to know you as a couple and understand your vision for the perfect ceremony. They will also be able to provide advice and guidance on how to make your ceremony unique and special 😊

The best Bay of Plenty wedding celebrants also have an extensive knowledge of the local area. They will be able to provide advice on the best venues and locations for your ceremony, and will ensure that all aspects of the ceremony are tailored to your individual needs.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Wedding Celebrant

When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing a wedding celebrant. It is important to consider their experience and qualifications. Ask them how long they have been officiating weddings, and what qualifications they have that make them suitable for the role. Additionally, enquire about their availability and ask if they have experience with the type of wedding ceremony you are planning 😊

When it comes to making your wedding day special, hiring a wedding celebrant in the Bay of Plenty is a great way to ensure your ceremony is perfect. With a wide range of options to choose from, there are many experienced and qualified celebrants in the area that can help make your day memorable. Jo Malcolm, With Love Geo, House of Vows and Iripa Rangi are some of the best wedding celebrants in the Bay of Plenty, each offering their own unique services. When choosing a celebrant, make sure to consider the essential qualities, ask the right questions, and follow the tips provided to ensure you find the perfect celebrant for your special day 💞

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the role of a wedding celebrant?

A1: A wedding celebrant is a person who is responsible for officiating the wedding ceremony. They are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the ceremony is conducted in accordance with the law, as well as providing guidance to the couple throughout the process. The celebrant will also be responsible for writing and delivering the ceremony, as well as providing support and advice to the couple.

Q2: What are some essential qualities for a Bay of Plenty wedding celebrant?

A2: When selecting a wedding celebrant for your Bay of Plenty wedding, it is important to look for someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate. The celebrant should have an understanding of the local culture and customs, as well as a deep understanding of the area. Additionally, the celebrant should be personable, organised, and have awesome communication skills!

Q3: What questions should I ask when choosing a wedding celebrant?

A3: When selecting a wedding celebrant it is important to ask questions about their experience and qualifications, what services they offer, their fees and payment terms, what their process looks like, and what their availability is. Additionally, it is important to ask about their style and approach to the ceremony, as well as any additional services they may offer.

Q4: Are there any tips for hiring a Bay of Plenty wedding celebrant?

A4: When hiring a Bay of Plenty wedding celebrant, it is important to ensure that they are experienced and knowledgeable about the local area and culture. It is also important to read reviews and ask for references before making a decision.

Q5: Who are some of the best Bay of Plenty wedding celebrants?

A5: Jo Malcolm, With Love Geo, House of Vows and Iripa Rangi are some of your top names in the wedding industry. Each of these celebrants has an in-depth understanding of the area and offers a unique style and approach to the ceremony!

Author:

July 24, 2023

A portrait of a husband and wife's hands with their wedding bands. Captured by Eilish Burt Photography

Discover the top Wedding Celebrants in the stunning Bay of Plenty

Eilish Burt

Date:

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